I tried cornflakes from Asda, Tesco, Lidl, Aldi and Marks and Spencer to see which offers the best value
I compared a range of supermarket cornflakes to Kellogg’s(Image: Mia O’Hare)
Cornflakes remain a breakfast staple for countless households throughout the UK. This cereal has become a classic thanks to its subtle blend of sweet and savoury notes alongside its mild flavour.
It’s a perfect morning meal, though numerous cornflake varieties are available in shops. Most leading British supermarkets stock their own versions of this breakfast cereal, while Kellogg’s offers its iconic Corn Flakes.
Given the considerable price variations, I decided to conduct a taste test to determine which offers the best value for money. I sampled cornflakes from Asda, Tesco, Lidl, Aldi and Marks and Spencer. I assessed them against Kellogg’s in terms of both flavour and cost.
I had anticipated most of the cornflakes would taste similar, though some unexpected differences emerged. I tested the cereals both dry and with milk added to experience their complete flavour.
Asda – £1.15
At the foot of my rankings was Asda. While the cereals appeared indistinguishable from those stocked by Tesco, Marks and Spencer, and Aldi, they possessed a distinct flavour. I found them less sweet and less crunchy than the Kellogg’s version, with quite a dry texture. The lack of flavour and sweetness ultimately cost it marks.
Rating: 5/10
Tesco – 95p
Tesco came next, sharing a position with Marks and Spencer and Aldi. Tesco’s cornflakes were crispy and less dry than Asda’s. It makes for a pleasing substitute to the branded version and has a noticeably paler appearance.
Rating: 7/10
Marks and Spencer – 95p
The Marks and Spencer cornflakes offered a pleasing texture that struck a good balance without being overly firm. They’re less sweet than Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, and the flavour bears such a strong resemblance to Tesco and Aldi that it struggles to distinguish itself.
Rating: 7/10
Aldi – 95p
The Aldi cereal boasted a firm texture that delivered a satisfying crunch with each bite. That said, it fell short on the sweetness found in Kellogg’s and had a somewhat dry quality.
Rating: 7/10
Kellogg’s – £2.45 from Asda
There’s a good reason Kellogg’s Corn Flakes remain a breakfast staple. They strike the ideal balance between sweet and savoury, with just the right amount of crunch – neither too firm nor too soft. Most supermarket alternatives found it challenging to replicate Kellogg’s flavour profile, making it stand out amongst the competition.
Rating: 9/10
Lidl – 95p
Upon pouring Lidl’s cornflakes, it was immediately clear they had the closest resemblance to the branded product. The cereal is noticeably darker than other supermarket versions, mirroring Kellogg’s appearance.
Among all the supermarket contenders, Lidl succeeded in matching Kellogg’s both visually and in taste. The cornflakes replicated the brand’s flavour and texture perfectly, and at 95p, there’s little incentive to opt for the branded version next time. Its combination of taste and value makes it my clear winner.
Rating: 10/10
